Dr Alok Arun

Alok Arun, Ph.D., is an associate professor of biology at Stanislaus State, where he engages students in biotechnology, molecular biology and bioinformatics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His research explores organismal complexity and multicellularity using algae and underutilized crops as models, with an eye toward applications in sustainable agriculture and space biology.

In 2025, Arun secured a $435,255 BEAM Circular award to launch the Centre for Sustainable Biotechnology: Empowering a Green Workforce for Stanislaus County, a hub designed to train students and foster industry collaboration in biotechnology and the circular bioeconomy. That same year, he collaborated with the agriculture department to launch the Bio-Ag Experiential Learning Educational Tour. This initiative provides STEM students opportunities to visit culturally diverse locations, broaden their perspectives and strengthen their professional skills.

Earlier in his career, he served as an associate professor of biology at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, where he integrated teaching, research and program development. Through more than $6.5 million in federally funded grants, he mentored hundreds of students, expanded STEM opportunities and played a pivotal role in launching Puerto Rico’s first Ph.D. program in biotechnology. His efforts also led to the creation of a Center for Nanobiotechnology, a Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology and the development of Puerto Rico’s first Interactive Marine Science Museum, funded by the NSF. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the USDA E. Kika De La Garza Science Fellowship in 2022 and received a citation from the Caribbean Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2023.

Following an M.Phil. and a master’s degree in botany from the University of Delhi, Arun earned his doctorate in developmental biology and genomics from Pierre and Marie Curie University in France. He also completed research training at Texas A&M University, where he advanced gene-editing approaches with CRISPR/Cas9, and more recently at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he gained experience with synthetic biology tools while mentoring K–12 students. His vision is to be active in students’ professional journeys, helping them achieve their dreams through the “3Cs”: care, collaboration and commitment.